Black Bamboo (20 Seeds)

$6.00

20 Black Bamboo ( Phyllostachys Nigra ) Seeds

Plant introduction number (PI) into the U.S. 77257

Average mature size 2" x 30' Hardy to 5 F

Sun To Part Shade

Introduced in 1827, black bamboo became the first hardy oriental bamboo. The legendary 'Black' is native to Taiwan and China it can withstand temps to 5F. Top and foliage damage occurs in the low teens during dry winds. New canes emerge green and turn ebony black within two years. This is reported to be the only species the culm turns a true ebony in color. The culm sheath have wavy blades with prominent oral setae, auricles and ligules. Black bamboo should be protected from wind if possible. The culms are not as erect in shaded sides as some other species and tend to weep or arch over. Pruning can correct this behavior.

Top and foliage damage occurs in the low teens during dry winds.

I recommend this species for USDA Climate Zones 7 and 8. It is being grown successfully in climate zone 6 with moderate top damage during the harsh winter months.

The steps below would yield the best results from what we've observed.

1) Place the Moso bamboo seeds in a strainer and rinse them with cool water to remove any dust or debris that may be clinging to the seeds.

2) Pour the seeds into a bowl. Make a 10 percent salt solution and pour it over the seeds. Let the seeds soak in this solution for five minutes.

3) Pour the seeds back into the strainer and rinse off the salt solution. Soak the seeds in clear water for 15 minutes, and drain them to dry.

4) Make a half-and-half mixture of perlite and peat moss. Moisten the mixture until you can grab a handful and just barely squeeze out a drop. Place the soil mixture in a flat planter box with a lid. A plastic sweater box with holes poked in the bottom is the ideal size and shape for this project.

5) Draw rows in the soil mix about 1 inch deep and plant a sprinkling of seeds along each row. Alternately, dig a round hole 2 inches across and 1 inch deep. Sprinkle about 10 seeds in the bottom of the hole. Cover the surface of the mix with these holes. Cover the seeds with very fine soil mix. Place the lid on the box and move the box to a spot where it won't be disturbed.

6) Remove the lid every three days to give the plants fresh air. Moisten the soil mix during this time if it has begun to dry out. Replace the lid after you have watered the mix.

7) Remove the lid permanently after the seedlings reach the lid inside. The first seedlings will sprout after two to three weeks, and the seeds will continue to sprout until they have all emerged.

8) Mix an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer according to the package directions. Pour the fertilizer into a clean spray bottle and mist the plants once they are four weeks old.

9) Transplant the seedlings into individual pots after they have been growing for a month. Use the same soilless mix for growing the seedlings indoors.